Published March 19, 2011 | 
Mar. 11:12 – 14, 20 – 24 On the next day, when they had left Bethany, [Jesus] became hungry. 13 Seeing at a distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if perhaps He would find anything on it; and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” And His disciples were listening. …. 20 As they were passing by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. 21 Being reminded, Peter said to Him, “Rabbi, look, the fig tree which You cursed has withered.” 22 And Jesus answered saying to them, “Have faith in God. 23 Truly I say to you, Whoever says to this mountain, Be taken up and be put into the sea; and has no doubt in his heart, but has faith that what he says will come about, he will have his desire. 24 “Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have already received them, and they will be granted you.
Heb. 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the sign that the things not seen are true.
2 Pet. 1:1 – 4 Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.
Heb 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
Faith brings things that are present in the spiritual realm, in the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus, into the physical realm. In other words, faith takes a promise in the Bible and makes it manifest in the physical realm. Continue reading
Published March 7, 2011 | Interpretation/Understanding
How are we to interpret scripture?
2 Tim. 2:15 Study [make every effort, apply yourself diligently] to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth!
We must remember that it is always necessary to understand a verse or scripture in its context:-
- First in its immediate context, then
- Second, in the context of the chapter, then
- Third in the context of the Book, i.e. Romans, then
- Fourth in the context of the Testament, i.e. Old or New,
- Fifth – Is it before the cross or after the Cross?
- Sixth in the context of the whole Bible.
There is a definite difference between what Jesus taught and what Paul taught. So, what is different? We know that the four Gospels, Mathew, Mark, Luke and John were all written concerning the life of Jesus on earth and what He came to do among the Jews and cover the period from His birth up to his ascension. We know that He came to fulfill the Law and to die on the cross to fulfill the wish of the Father, who gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life. We know that while on earth He did the will of the Father and revealed the Father to us. There is so much more He revealed to us of the Kingdom and His Glory. Continue reading
Published March 6, 2011 | This is Part 1 of a 15 Part series on Paul’s Gospel and includes: -
- Who We Are – Our Inheritance in Christ in This Life – According to Paul’s Gospel
- Why Don’t We Experience It?
i. The Bad Example of Good King Josiah!
Who We Are – Our Inheritance in Christ in This Life – According to Paul’s Gospel Continue reading
Published March 6, 2011 | The Gospel of Jesus Christ According to Paul. (Paul’s Gospel)
Gal 1:11-12 But I certify you brethren that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by revelation from Jesus Christ.
Rom 2:16 …according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.
Rom 16:25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past.
2 Tim 2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel.
Why Paul’s Gospel? Why not Jesus’ Gospel? Continue reading